Brave the Outdoors - Southern

Southern Illinois is one big outdoor adventure, with winter hikes and bikes through the Shawnee National forest, a holiday lights parade and fairgrounds display, and even a museum devoted to everyone’s favorite superhero, Superman.

FUN THINGS TO DO

Giant City State Park
Pick a trail and hike your way through Giant City State Park, which gets it name from the super-tall sandstone cliffs that look like huge city streets a giant could stroll through.

Garden of the Gods
Explore the towering rock formations (with cool names like Camel Rock) and try to squeeze through Fat Man’s Misery, a narrow passageway mashed between massive boulders and cliffs.

Honeybee Stables
Splash across creeks and look for wild waterfalls during a guided horseback ride through the Shawnee National Forest.

Tunnel Hill State Trail
If the weather is right, go for a walk on the trail through the Shawnee National Forest that follows an old railroad route and includes a cruise through a dark train tunnel.

Super Museum
Snap a picture with the 15-foot-tall Man of Steel statue in downtown Metropolis, the official adopted “Home of Superman,” and sift through rare superhero memorabilia in the Super Museum right across the street.

GOOD EATS

Giant City Lodge
Try the tasty Southern dishes here, including the popular all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner served with homemade dumplings and creamy mashed potatoes.

17th Street Bar & Grill
Sample some of the best apple wood-smoked barbecue ribs in the country at this little BBQ joint that is popular with travelers from just about everywhere in the United States.

The Chocolate Factory
Scoop up an ice cream cone or nibble on dinosaur-shaped chocolates at this sweet shop hidden in the Shawnee National Forest.

Bill’s BBQ
Start the day in Metropolis with a tasty breakfast sandwich at Bill’s BBQ, located near Fort Massac State Park.

Cubby Bear’s Pizza
You’re welcome to go back for seconds (or thirds) at the Chicago-style pizza buffet offered at Cubby Bear’s.

AWESOME EVENTS

Holiday Lights Fair
The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds are lit up for the holidays and feature a drive-through outdoor lights display, an indoor Christmas village with live music, holiday food and crafts, and visits with Santa through Dec. 30.

Fort Massac State Park
Play soldier in a replica wood fort that recalls the days of the French and Indian War at this state park perched on the Ohio River. Celebrate "Olde Tyme Christmas" at the fort on Dec. 14 with 1800s-style decorations, music and foods.

The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion
Try to figure out the magic behind the tricks and illusions performed by Kevin and Cindy Spencer at SIUC’s Shryock Auditorium on Jan. 24.